Hangin’ Tough – The One Mall in Illinois That Isn’t Dead Yet
Have you been to a true Illinois mall that doesn't feel completely vacant? There may still be at least one that is trying to stay valid and a walkthrough from not that long ago shows there's some life still in this place - maybe.
Yes, the 'hangin' tough' is an intended New Kids on the Block pun because their era was one of the final ones when Illinois malls were still hangout places. A mall explorer on YouTube did a walkthrough of the Alton Square Mall in Alton, Illinois not that long ago showing what remains.
Hangin' Tough - The One Mall in Illinois That Isn't Dead Yet Gallery Credit: NorthCdogg22 via YouTubeI'm not certain how up-to-date the Alton Square Mall store directory is, but it's pretty full of places. I was shocked to see a Illinois JCPenney location still around, but it appears that is current.
I'll applaud whoever came up with the mural-like artwork that's being used to cover up old storefronts that are no longer populated. It gives the illusion of not being empty. Well done.
How long will malls like this one in Alton remain? Time will tell, but it does seem like a not half bad place to shop if you're near Alton and/or have nostalgic feelings for the New Kids on the Block era.
